MORROW, Ga. - Stifling defense plus a pair of first half goals was all the University of North Georgia women's soccer team needed to advance to the Peach Belt Conference Tournament semifinals after a 2-0 win over fourth-seeded Clayton State Saturday night.

Maysoon El-Shami got things started for UNG in the ninth minute as she put home a ball from Taylor Malasek to give the Nighthawks an early 1-0 lead. Six minutes later, it was Malasek getting the goal as she scored a pass that went through both Megan Dumond and Katey Derkay.

From there, UNG's defense clamped down to preserve the clean sheet and a spot in next week's semifinal round.

NOTES
- North Georgia did not allow a single shot in the opening 45 minutes. Sierra Fowler saved the three shots CSU took in the second half that were on target.

- This will be the ninth time in program history that UNG has advanced to the PBC semifinals, all coming in the last 12 years. North Georgia is 4-3-1 in the semifinal round of the league's tournament.

NEXT UP
North Georgia will take on top-seeded and No. 7 Columbus State Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. at Blanchard Woods Park in Evans.